Memorial services for fallen Chicago police officer John Bartholomew begin Thursday, with major traffic impacts expected on DuSable Lake Shore Drive and in Edgewater and Rogers Park as many are expected to pay their respects.
Bartholomew, 38, was shot and killed in the line of duty last month. According to officials, Bartholomew and his partner were transporting a suspect in a nearby armed robbery to Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital after the suspect, Alphanso Talley, told police he had swallowed multiple narcotics and was having trouble breathing.
Once inside the hospital, Talley pulled a gun concealed under his hospital gown, fatally shooting Bartholomew and critically wounding his partner.
Talley faces multiple felony charges, including first degree murder.
A visitation for Bartholomew is scheduled for 2-8 p.m. Thursday, at St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church, located at 5649 N. Sheridan Rd. According to Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications, traffic impacts in the area are expected to begin about 11 a.m.
The biggest impacts are expected to affect DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Sheridan Road and Bryn Mawr Avenue, OEMC said, though additional nearby streets may also see congestion and closures.
“Expect severe traffic congestion and delays,” a release from OEMC said. “Alternate routes are suggested and motorists should allow for extra travel time.”
OEMC also warned that parking in the area would be “extremely limited.”
Thursday’s traffic impacts were expected to continue through 9 p.m. As funeral services begin Friday, additional streets could be closed, with services set to begin at 10 a.m. at the same location. The funeral service will be streamed live on NBC 5 and on the NBC Chicago streaming channel.
Heavy congestion was expected through at least 3 p.m., OEMC said.
Bartholomew, from Evanston, was a 10-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department. According to his obituary, he leaves behind a wife and three children.
